Ready to hit the trails with your pooch?

Beyond the physical activity, hiking with your dog can be a fun experience and a great way to strengthen your bond with your furry companion. It’s a great way to stimulate their mind and emotional well being by exposing them to new environments and sensations. It also creates a rewarding experience, giving them a chance to escape their normal surroundings and routines. However, it's not as easy as just picking up a leash and going into the wild. There are several things you need to think about to make sure the adventure is safe and enjoyable for both of you and your dog.

How to prepare your dog for hiking:

Before you go hiking with your dog, it's important to get them ready physically and mentally. This preparation stage is essential to make sure your dog can cope with the challenges that await them and can handle the physical demands of hiking. This involves not only improving their fitness and strength but also training them to follow basic obedience commands and how to behave around other people and animals they might meet on the trail.

Physical readiness is vital to hiking with your dog. It's not wise to take your dog from relaxing on the sofa to walking miles in the wild in one day. Instead, start by taking them on regular walks, slowly increasing the length and difficulty of these walks over several weeks. This will help to boost their stamina and get them accustomed to the idea of longer hikes.

Mental readiness is just as important. Your dog needs to be well behaved and obedient to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. They should be able to obey basic commands such as ‘heal’, 'sit', 'stay', 'come', and 'leave it'. Moreover, they should be at ease around other people and animals, as they're likely to run into both during a hike.

If rattlesnakes are prevalent you may want to consider rattlesnake training for your dog. Many dog trainers offer such courses. They will teach your dog how to hear and smell rattlesnakes and to retreat when they sense one. Rattlesnake vaccinations are also available.

Know Before You Go:

• Review the trail or park regulations. https://www.alltrails.com is a great resource for this. Alltrails provides all kinds of useful information. Importantly, they let you know if dogs are permitted on the trail. Nothing worse than driving to the trailhead only to find out that your dog is not allowed.
• Pay attention to the weather. Check the weather forecast before your hike. Make sure the conditions are suitable for your dog. If they are, be sure to outfit your dog appropriately for the conditions.
• It’s a good idea to always keep your dog on a leash. This helps protect your dog as well as wildlife and other hikers. A leash is often required on many trails. Many dogs will chase wildlife. You know your dog's temperament best, so use your best judgment. The last thing you want is something bad to happen to your dog. Also be sure your dog is wearing tags. If your dog does not have a microchip, it’s a good idea. They are inexpensive and harmless for your dog. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about microchipping. We provide the microchipping service at our clinic.
• Bring enough water and food. Hiking can be physically challenging for your dog, so it's essential to keep them nourished and hydrated. Bring a portable or foldable water bowl and enough food for the journey.
• Guard your dog from ticks and fleas. Make sure your dog is current on their flea and tick prevention treatments.
• Bring enough poop bags and be sure to clean-up after your dog.
• Bring proper foot wear for the conditions. Dog booties really come in handy to protect your pup's delicate pads when walking on snowy trails, hot sand, hot cement or asphalt, over rocks, and even on rock salt.
• Bring a pet first aid kit.

While on the trail:

Have fun and be courteous to other hikers. Make frequent stops to take a break and drink water.

After your hike:

Thoroughly check your dog for fleas and ticks as well as burrs and stickers that may have gotten caught in their fur. Also check their paws. If they swam in a pond, lake, stream, or river, it’s a good idea to wash them with clean water and shampoo. It is all too common for bodies of water to contain harmful bacteria, leeches, or other contaminants. Bathing your dog afterwards is helpful in preventing infections and rashes.

Have any questions? Feel free to ask us. Took some pictures? Feel free to post them in our Facebook page along with a few sentences about the experience.